[Study on the effects of DNA and natural killer cell damage induced by microcystins LR].

OBJECTIVE

Microcystin is a group of algae toxin which causes liver cancer. In this paper we tried to study the carcinogenic and tumor promotion mechanism of Microcystin LR (MCLR).

METHODS

The single cell microgel electrophoresis assay (MGE) and 3H-TdR releasing assay were used to study the effects of on DNA damage and natural killer cell (NK cell) activity.

RESULTS

The different doses of MCLR caused DNA damage in rat lymphocytes compared to 0.85% NaCl. However, no time-dependent relationship and dose dependent relationship between MCLR and DNA migration were observed, and the DNA damage was recovered rapidly after MCLR treatment. At the same time MCLR reduced NK cells activity in mice.

CONCLUSION

The above results provide some evidence on the mechanisms of carcinogenicity and promotional effects of MCLR at cellular and molecular levels.